Hawaii

Region ·🇺🇸 United States

Population 1,455,271

Area 16,797 km²

Time zone Pacific/Honolulu

Official website portal.ehawaii.gov

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Explore Hawaii

Hawaii's Absolute Must-Sees

Hawaii’s diverse geography encompasses the volcanic Haleakalā Crater on Maui and the volcanic black sands of Punaluʻu on the Big Island. Historical landmarks include the Byodo-In Temple, a replica of a Kyoto UNESCO site, and the USS Bowfin, a WWII-era submarine at Pearl Harbor. Natural sites range from the 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch, a filming location for numerous films, to the white sands of Lanikai Beach and the dramatic cliffs of Kauai’s Kalalau Lookout.

12 places

Hawaii's Best Beaches

This selection of Hawaiian coastal sites features diverse geological formations, from the volcanic black basalt sands of Punalu’u to the limestone-filtered white sands of Lanikai. The list includes Maui’s Ho'okipa Park, a global center for windsurfing due to its consistent trade winds, and Kauai’s Kalalau Beach, reachable only via the Na Pali Coast’s 11-mile wilderness trail. These destinations represent varied marine environments, including protected coves on Oahu’s North Shore and the deep-sand, crescent-shaped beaches of South Maui.

9 places

Hawaiian Waterfalls

This collection features prominent waterfalls across the islands of Kauai and Maui. On Kauai, highlights include the 80-foot twin drops of Wailua Falls and the remote 300-foot Hanakapi'ai Falls along the Na Pali Coast. Maui’s contributions are centered along the Road to Hana, featuring accessible roadside stops like the three parallel plumes of Upper Waikani Falls and the tiered pools of Twin Falls. The list also includes Manawaiopuna Falls, famously featured in the film Jurassic Park, and several cascades within the lush Wailua River State Park.

9 places

Viewpoints and Peaks

This collection features prominent vantage points across the Hawaiian Islands, from the 4,000-foot cliffs of Kauai’s Kalalau Lookout to the historic Kalaupapa overlook on Molokai. The list includes high-altitude peaks like Ni'ani'au, geological formations on the remote island of Nihoa, and coastal vistas near Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the United States. These sites offer specific perspectives on Hawaii’s volcanic topography, ranging from lush valleys to arid high-altitude plateaus.

10 places

Astronomy Observatories

Situated near the 4,207-meter summit of Mauna Kea, these world-class facilities represent a global hub for space exploration. The collection includes the twin 10-meter Keck telescopes, the 8.2-meter Subaru Telescope, and specialized instruments like the James Clerk Maxwell submillimeter radio telescope. These sites benefit from Hawaii’s high altitude and stable atmosphere, allowing researchers to study everything from distant galaxies to near-earth asteroids. While most summit facilities are restricted to research personnel, the area remains a critical site for groundbreaking discoveries in infrared, submillimeter, and optical astronomy.

12 places

Historic Sites and Heritage

This collection of historic sites across the Hawaiian Islands features maritime landmarks, industrial heritage, and ancient ruins. It includes the Makapuʻu Point Light, home to the largest lens in the United States, and the iconic Aloha Tower. The list also highlights 19th-century industry at the R.W. Meyer Sugar Mill and civil engineering at the Puʻuʻōpae Bridge, alongside significant archaeological sites like the Mauna Kea Adz Quarry and the Heiau Hoʻouluia temple ruins.

7 places